Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Selvi J. Jayalalithaa, inaugurated the year-long celebration of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary, organized by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai. A large number of monks, devotees and admirers of Swamiji attended the hour-long function, held at Vivekananda Illam, on 27 February 2013. A host of ministers, members of Tamilnadu legislative assembly and officials was also present.

The Chief Minister unveiled the stone-plaque marking the laying of foundation for Vivekananda Cultural Centre. The proposed Cultural building has been planned to mark the 150thBirth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and to exhibit Swamiji’s Message & Indian Culture.

Amidst Jai Swamiji’s ki Jai, the Chief Minister lighted the Viveka Jyoti, an electrically operated lamp, which will be kept lighted for a year, in front of the Vivekanandar Illam, to mark the year-long celebrations. The Chief Minister released Tamil version of Photographs of Swami Vivekananda, and presented the first copy of revered Swami Gautamanandaji.

While delivering his benedictory address, revered Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj recalled the events related to Swami Vivekananda’s visit to Chennai in February 1897after his arrival from the Parliament of Religion and the electrifying lectures he delivered during his nine days stay at Vivekanandar Illam. He thanked the Chief Minister for extending Vivekanandar Illam lease and allotting the adjacent vacant land, both on 99 years lease.

The Chief Minister’s address, given in Tamil, focused Swamiji’s message to the modern world and its contemporary relevance. She said, in parts,

‘I feel deeply honoured to inaugurate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda from this historically important Illam. I feel I am fortunate to inaugurate this function. I thank the President of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, and other Swamis for having given me this great opportunity.’

‘Swami Vivekananda lived for others and not for the self. Right from my childhood I have a great regard for the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and his Guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. I have a good collection of books on Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in my personal library. I read them quite often. As for as I am concerned, it is Swami Vivekananda who inspired me to enter politics. In 1982, when I entered politics, I had mentioned about Swami Vivekananda in an interview. …’

‘Even after 100 years, the Mission instituted by Swami Vivekananda is still continuing its service to the people adhering to its principles. This deserves appreciation. It will not be an exaggeration to say that only such institutions serve as role model for youngsters. I request the Ramakrishna Math authorities to plan projects for involving the youngsters in selfless service and to serve with dedication and to execute them with determination….’

My greetings to everyone.’

After her address, the Chief Minister gave away prizes to 10 winners of the 11th Youth Day Competition held by Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam. Moved by a visually challenged boy and a physically handicapped girl, coming to receive the prize, the Chief Minister kissed and blessed them.

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3D Movies on Swami Vivekananda

Two 3D Movies 9/11 - The Awakening on Swami Vivekananda's Historic Speech at Parliament Of Religions in Chicago delivered in 1893 and My Message to the Youth are shown in the 3D Theatre in Vivekananada House.